Z-10

China's medium attack helicopter — a tandem-seat, twin-engine design built around the indigenous WZ-9 turboshaft, fielded by the PLA since 2009 and exported as the Z-10ME.

Overview

The Z-10 (industrial designation WZ-10, Chinese nickname “Fierce Thunderbolt” / Pili Huo) is a dedicated medium attack helicopter developed by the AVIC-led Changhe Aircraft Industries. It entered People’s Liberation Army service in 2009 and, according to external estimates, over 200 airframes have been built for the PLA Ground Force Aviation and the PLAAF. In 2025 Pakistan became the first foreign operator after inducting the upgraded Z-10ME, marking the type’s combat-mission debut via an export customer.

🔒 The full Z-10 file is for BattlePolicy Pro members. Below the line: development history, design and capabilities, variants, the combat record, advantages and limitations, comparable systems, outlook, the full specifications table, our sourcing, and the analyst assessment — procurement, suppliers and the BattlePolicy verdict. Unlock the full file with BattlePolicy Pro →